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Priestly Duties

In many religious traditions, priests are
not only a spiritual vocation but also a
separate social caste. For instance, the
Hindu Brahmins are both at the highest
level in the social hierarchy and also the
priests responsible for administering
religious rites in the temples and
studying the sacred texts. Monks in the
Jain religion do not run the temples or
social society, but they are set apart for
a life of poverty and self-denial.

Israel’s priesthood was drawn from the
tribe of Levi, descended from the third
son of the patriarch Jacob. Those who
served as high priest (vv. 4–15) were
descended from Aaron, the brother
of Moses. The priestly clans were
descended from Gershom (sometimes
referred to as Gershon), Kohath, and
Merari, who were the three sons of Levi.

The priests “presented offerings on the
altar of burnt offering and on the altar of
incense in connection with all that was
done in the Most Holy Place, making
atonement for Israel, in accordance with
all that Moses the servant of God had
commanded” (v. 49). In David’s time
a priestly order of musicians was also
formed to aid in worship. Some of the
psalms are attributed to Asaph, Heman,
and Ethan (Psalms 50; 73–83; 88–89),
who are mentioned in verses 33 and 39.

The fact that Heman is connected with
Samuel the prophet in verse 33 is a
reminder that the role of music in Old
Testament worship was both instructive
and prophetic. Its purpose was not
to create atmosphere but to proclaim
God’s word.

Music should serve the same purpose
in the church’s worship. Through
singing we both make music “to the
Lord” and teach one another (Eph. 5:19;
Col. 3:16).

Apply the Word

Through Jesus our High Priest, all believers have been granted direct access into the Father’s presence, offering their lives as a living sacrifice in gratitude for God’s gift. This does not earn your salvation; it is simply your way of saying thank you for what Christ has done. What will you do today to offer your life in thanksgiving to God?

BY Dr. John Koessler

Dr. John Koessler, who retired as professor emeritus from Moody Bible Institute, formerly served in the division of applied theology and church ministry. John and his wife Jane enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan. A prolific writer, John’s books include The Radical Pursuit of Rest (InterVarsity), The Surprising Grace of Disappointment (Moody), and True Discipleship (Moody). John is a contributing editor and columnist for Today in the Word.